Evaluation

Echocardiogram

High-resolution ultrasound systems allow precise imaging of the heart in motion

What Your Heart May Be Trying to Tell You: A Story About the Echocardiogram

Sometimes, your heart speaks in ways that aren’t easy to hear—like a quiet flutter, a skipped beat, or a wave of breathlessness when climbing stairs. For some, it’s a mysterious chest tightness that lingers after a long day. For others, it’s just a nagging sense that something isn’t quite right. The good news is we have a tool that lets us take a closer look without any pain, needles, or downtime.

It’s called the echocardiogram—or simply, an echo—a safe, non-invasive heart ultrasound that lets us see your heart in action and understand what it’s trying to say.

What Is an Echocardiogram and Why Does It Matter?

Think of an echocardiogram as a live movie of your heart. Using high-frequency sound waves, this test shows us detailed images of your heart’s chambers, valves, walls, and blood flow—in real time.

Whether you're being checked for high blood pressure, heart valve issues, or simply following up on a family history of heart disease, the echo helps us spot subtle signs of trouble before they become serious.

Common Reasons You Might Need an Echocardiogram

Many patients come in because of:

• Shortness of breath that doesn’t quite make sense
• Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
• Chest pressure—even when labs look “normal”
• Chronic fatigue or dizziness
• Monitoring of known conditions like heart failure or hypertension

An echo gives us essential answers. It can detect:

• Leaky or narrowed heart valves
• Weakened heart muscle
• Fluid buildup, clots, or even hidden tumors
• Structural problems you were born with (congenital defects)
• Changes related to high blood pressure or coronary artery disease

Different Types of Echocardiograms (and How We Choose the Right One)

Not every heart tells its story the same way. That’s why we choose from different types of echoes depending on what your body needs:

🩺 Transthoracic Echocardiogram (TTE)

This is the standard approach. A handheld probe on your chest captures images in 30–60 minutes—painless and straightforward.

🧠 Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE)

If we need a clearer view—especially of valves or blood clots—we guide a thin probe through your esophagus. It’s sedated, comfortable, and provides highly detailed images.

🏃 Stress Echocardiogram

Used to detect coronary artery disease, this test shows how your heart responds to stress, whether from exercise or medication.

🧩 3D Echocardiogram

Offers detailed 3D visuals. Especially helpful for planning surgeries or complex valve procedures.

Preparing for the Test: Simple Steps to Help Us Help You

For most echos:

• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• No special preparation needed unless otherwise instructed

For a Stress Echo:

• Avoid caffeine and smoking 4 hours prior
• Wear workout-friendly attire

For a TEE:

• No food or drink 6–8 hours before
• Arrange for a ride—sedation is usually used

What to Expect During the Test

Depending on the type of echo, you may:

• Lie on your side while a technician moves a probe across your chest
• Receive light sedation for a transesophageal test
• Walk on a treadmill or receive medication during a stress echo

Regardless of the type, these tests are:

• Painless
• Radiation-free
• Completed within an hour

Understanding Your Results

Once we have the images, I’ll review your echo results and walk you through what we see:

• Is your heart pumping well?
• Are the valves opening and closing properly?
• Is there fluid or any blockage?
• Is the rhythm steady—or are there signs of atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias?

These answers help us personalize your care—whether it’s starting medication, monitoring your progress, or planning a procedure.